Ernie Brown: Parents Need to Emphasize Equality Early

Young parents can do a lot to end racism by teaching their children at a young age that all people are equal, Ernie Brown, a retired Vindicator regional editor and co-chair of the Robinson-Shuba Commemorative Statue Project, tells Valley Tough in a recent video interview.

“White America, and particularly young white millennials who are having or have had children, need to teach their children from the time they can comprehend that there’s no difference – in terms of superiority or otherwise — between them and people of color,” Brown said.

“There are geniuses of people of color all over the globe. [Parents] need to let their children know to respect all races — embrace their culture, but respect all races. There’s no inferior race, there’s no superior race. We’re all God’s children. “

The interview with Brown was part of Valley Tough’s “Words on Race” series with host Chris Gunther.

Check out the video below.

Brown shared his take on possible solutions to America’s racial tensions and the importance of the Robinson-Shuba statue as a symbol of racial equality. Scheduled for dedication next year in downtown Youngstown, the statue will celebrate the historic 1946 handshake of Jackie Robinson, the first black athlete allowed in mainstream professional baseball, and his white teammate, George Shuba from Youngstown. It’s believed to be the first handshake of black and white players on a professional baseball field. (Read more at the statue project website.)

Valley Tough is a community information website launched in March 2020 and managed by Pecchia Communications, a Youngstown public relations and marketing firm. Located at www.valleytough.org, the site enjoys financial support from Youngstown Orthopaedic Associates, Aim Transportation Solutions, NOMS Ankle & Foot Care Centers, the Mahoning County Land Bank and Pecchia Communications.

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